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Applied in 2004

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Albany Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.

Program Facts

  • Paid (FTE) Staff Working: 0
  • Program Participants Last Year: 14
  • Meets about 4 time(s) with each participant per month
  • Participants remain in the program for 48 months

Volunteers

Volunteers per month: 12

Volunteers are trained:

Volunteer Training
AlwaysRarely

Volunteers are actively recruited:

Volunteer Recruiting
AlwaysRarely

Board Activities

  • Formally approves the budget.
  • Ensures that arrangements with outside fund raising firms are made in writing.
  • Receives information about the financial arrangements with such firms and, if applicable, the anticipated portion of the gross proceeds that goes to the organization.
  • Receives, at least quarterly, the organization's financial statement.

Outcomes & Measures: (self-reported)

Outcome 1
Most outcomes are basic skills needed to be able to ride a horse. One skill is to maintain upright posture.

Measure
Time how long participant can sit upright and note if the amount of time increases with subsequent lessons.

Outcome 2
Learn to correctly hold and use the reins to direct the horse.

Measure
Direct observation of participant to ensure reins are held properly and used correctly.

Outcome 3
Follow Directions

Measure
Direct observation of participant and note how many directives were followed correctly.

Outcome 4
Increase manually dexterity through activities such as passing a ball to a volunteer while participant is on horse-back.

Measure
Direct observation of participant to see if number of successful passes increases.

Outcome 5
Improve balance through activities such as leaning over to retrieve items held out to the participant by a volunteer.

Measure
Direct observation to see if participant leans further and in different directions with subsequent lessons.

Change Process: (self-reported)

The process by which the individuals change is the horseback riding lessons they take part in and how those lessons affect them. The participants learn the skills necessary to ride a horse, starting with very simple things like sitting upright and gradually adding other skills as the previous ones are mastered. Some new skills build on prior skills, while others are different. Many participants have severe disabilities that prevent them from ever being able to ride independently, but the activity increases strength and balance, which in turn often makes riders feel better physically. Taking part in a new, physical, outdoor activity increases the confidence and sense of well-being in many participants.